Demba Ba was forced off in the first-half after breaking his nose (Picture: Getty)

It was not a happy return to Newcastle for Chelsea striker Demba Ba, who was forced out of action after breaking his nose and then watched as his former club came from behind to seal victory at St. James’ Park.

The 6ft 2in striker, who departed Tyneside for Stamford Bridge at the turn of the year, received a kick to the head from former team-mate Fabricio Coloccini in the first half and was replaced by Fernando Torres, as the Blues allowed a 2-1 lead to slip to lose 3-2 in the dying minutes.

Moussa Sissoko, making his home debut for Newcastle after signing last week, was the hero as he netted a brace to give his side a valuable three points in their battle against relegation.

The result caps an awful string of results for the European Champions, who drew 2-2 with strugglers Reading in the week despite leading 2-0 with just minutes to go. The Blues have now won just one in their last six outings in all competitions – a run which has also seen them knocked out of the Capital One Cup to Swansea and held in the FA Cup to League One Brentford.

Frank Lampard scored his 197th Chelsea goal (Picture: PA)

But despite a poor start to today’s game, it looked as though second-half goals from Frank Lampard and Juan Mata would be enough to narrow the gap on second-placed Manchester City, although the hosts had other ideas.

Newcastle started the game much the brighter of the two, enjoying the lion’s share of possession and chances.

Chelsea though should have been awarded a penalty after Coloccini’s boot connected nastily with the face of Ba, forcing the Senegal international to be substituted in a rare start under Rafael Benitez. But referee Howard Webb saw no infringement and it was the hosts who took the lead, as Jonas Gutierrez headed Newcastle in front just before the break.

Moussa Sissoko’s brace handed Newcastle victory (Picture: Getty)

The visitors upped their game in the second half as they looked to get their season back on track and they equalised 10 minutes after the interval.

Lampard – who has reached double figures in the goalscoring charts for 10 consecutive seasons – pulled Chelsea level against the run of play after 55 minutes, hitting a long-ranger thunderbolt past Tim Krul.

Mata then put the Blues in front for the first time this afternoon with a curling finish.

But the advantage was short-lived as Sissoko was on hand to tap home the rebound after Petr Cech had saved from Yoan Gouffran to level the scores on 68 minutes, before popping up again in added time to smash home the winner.

Newcastle United v Chelsea – Premier League

NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 2: Papiss Demba Cisse of Newcastle reacts after missing a goal scoring chance during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James Park on February 2, 2013 in Newcastle, England. (Photo by Paul Thomas/Getty Images)

Newcastle United v Chelsea – Premier League

Demba Ba of Chelsea is treated after being kicked in the face by Fabricio Coloccini of Newcastle United (Getty)

Demba Ba of Chelsea is treated after being kicked in the face by Fabricio Coloccini of Newcastle United (Getty)

Newcastle United v Chelsea – Premier League

Ouch: Ba is kicked in the face by Coloccini (Picture: Getty)

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 02: Demba Ba of Chelsea is kicked in the face by Fabricio Coloccini of Newcastle United during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James' Park on February 2, 2013 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)